Thank you for contacting me about proposals to ban conversion therapy (CT).
The Government has introduced the Conversion Therapy Bill which it believes will strengthen existing criminal law by ensuring that violent conversion therapy is recognised as a potential aggravating factor upon sentencing, as well as making sure those found guilty of conversion therapy offences have any profit obtained from those crimes removed. Further, the Government argues that the Bill will protect freedom of speech, ensuring parents, clinicians and teachers can continue to have conversations with people seeking support.
The Bill does not include a commitment to ban transgender conversion therapy; this is to ensure that any legislative measures brought forward will not have any unintended consequences. I understand that this is a legally complex area, and the Government has a responsibility to ensure that these unintended consequences are not written into legislation, particularly in the case of under eighteens. It is essential to make sure that children and young people are properly supported and protected when considering changing their gender.
Religious Concerns
I understand that there have been concerns amongst religious leaders, who have warned that the Conversion Therapy Bill could prevent them from teaching what are seen as traditional Christian values. I am aware that the Government have said that the proposals outlined to ban conversion therapy will not impact everyday religious practice, and that there should be no doubt that individuals will still be able to access support and counsel from religious leaders.
Further, the Minister for Equalities has insisted that the Government have no intention to stop parents, clinicians, teachers, or anyone else from having open and explorative conversations with young people or others about their sexual orientation or whether they are transgender or not.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
September 2022